Do you feel like you are a broken record when it comes to telling your kids to study? And, how often do you see them wait until the night before it’s due to complete an assignment? And should you really help with homework?

The answers aren’t always cut and dry but here is a little clarification on the matter.

​First of all – yes, you should help with homework but in a calm and cheerful way. Make positive comments along the way because you don’t want your child to associate studying and homework with arguments at home. In return they should display the same positive attitude towards their studies.

To teach your child good study habits, have them set aside a special time every day for their work. Set a goal to start and finish within a certain time and divide big assignments in to smaller more workable tasks for them. You might also divide their time into different categories like reviewing, reading, and then on-going projects. Make sure you form a check list as they complete each task to give them a sense of accomplishment.​

Designating more than one area for studying will keep it fresh. As time allows, take them to a library or a coffee shop. Make sure they also know that cell phones are turned off during these study times as well.

You can also help your child create a study group when it’s appropriate. Working in groups can help your child understand certain concepts through their peer’s eyes and can actually encourage them to complete their assignments more quickly and efficiently.

Make sure you keep an open communication with your child and their teachers. Students really shouldn’t have any surprises when it comes to how and what they will be graded on. If expectations aren’t clear, contact the teacher or encourage your student to communicate directly if they are older or more independent. ​

Staying on task now, will help your child stay ahead of the curve before the work assignments become more challenging. Starting good study habits early will also allow for a successful transition to college and help them see a bright positive future that’s just within their reach.

Welcome back to our HomeworkHelps series. As stated in Part 1, homework is one of the most beneficial aspects of learning. However, parents must make appropriate preparations beforehand to maximize the benefits children receive from their homework/study time. In this segment of Homework Helps, we focus on a variety of tips to help parents prepare.Tip #1: Location! Location! Location!

You have probably heard this popular phrase as it relates to real estate. It emphasizes the importance of a property’s location in determining its value or worth. This concept should be considered when selecting a location for your child to study, complete homework assignments, and review concepts learned during the school day. After all, a child’s education is extremely valuable. Some would even say it’s priceless.What are the best aspects for a child’s homework location? What increases its value?A Quiet Place

Provide a quiet place for your child to study. It should be free from distractions such as people going in and out and sounds from televisions, video games, and cell phones. Eliminating distractions improves a child’s ability to focus on homework.A Well-lit PlaceProvide a well-lit place for your child to study. Eliminate eyestrain and headaches and decrease the occurrence of errors due to misreading by selecting a homework location with sufficient lighting. A window for natural lighting or a lamp or ceiling fixture with ample wattage should suffice. Be sure the light shines in front of your child where it will illuminate the homework. Lights shining over the back are less effective because they cast shadows and decrease the amount of light that reaches the books and notes.A Clean PlaceProvide a clean place for your child to study. Clutter is a distraction and minimizes a child’s ability to focus. Stains from food, makeup, and pet paws look terrible on homework assignments, as well as on book pages. Teach your child to take pride in the appearance of his or her homework assignments. Be sure the homework location is clean and clutter-free.

Thanks again for visiting our Homework Helps series. Come again soon for more amazing homework tips for parents. Until next time, Happy Homework!

HOMEWORK!!!!!!! No school-related task is dreaded more by both parents and students; yet it is one of the most beneficial aspects of learning. According to the U.S. Department of Education, benefits of doing homework include the following:Benefits for Students· Improving memory and understanding of schoolwork· Developing valuable study skills· Realizing that learning can occur both inside and outside the classroom· Fostering independence and responsibility· Learning time management skillsBenefits for Parents· Improved communication between the school and the family· Increased clarity of what is expected of students· Consistent awareness of what students are learning· Accurate knowledge of how well their child is doing in schoolMaximize the benefits of homework by knowing its purpose. There are four general types of homework. It is easy to remember them by the acronym, PIPE.·Practice—reinforces learning; helps the students master specific skills·Integration—requires the student to apply a variety of different skills to a single task·Preparation—introduces material to be taught in future lessons·Extension—asks students to apply their skills to a new situation

Knowing these purposes of homework can help in choosing the best study and homework completion strategies.

Another way parents can help with homework is by knowing how to help. Increase your involvement if your child is having difficulty in school. Support your child’s approach to completing homework if your child is doing well in school.Be sure to stay tuned for the next part of this Homework Helps series to learn some amazing homework tips for parents.